Patient News for October 2024

Autumn

Stay Safe this Winter

Protect Yourself with Vaccines

As winter approaches, it's important to keep yourself and your family safe from illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These illnesses can make you very unwell and sometimes require hospital treatment. Luckily, there are vaccines that can help prevent them.

Invitation for Vaccination

If you are eligible for a vaccine, you should have received an invitation from us already. If you haven't received one, please contact our practice.

Who can get the Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. It is especially important for:

  • Children aged six months to two years
  • Pregnant women
  • People aged 65 and over
  • Individuals with health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, or diabetes
  • Healthcare workers
  • Residents of care homes

Flu Nasal Spray for Children

We also offer a nasal spray for children aged two to three years old. If your child is eligible, please contact us to make an appointment. 

Who can get the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. It is especially important for:

  • Adults aged 65 and over
  • Residents in care homes
  • Children and adults aged 6 months to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group
  • Frontline NHS and social care workers
  • Staff working in care homes

Important note about the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine we are offering this winter is called Comirnaty COVID Vaccine. This vaccine is widely used and has been shown to be very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19.

Who can get the RSV Vaccine

RSV vaccinations have already started, and many people have received theirs. If you haven't booked your RSV vaccination yet, please contact us to arrange an appointment. 

The RSV vaccine is recommended for:

  • Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards
  • Adults aged 75-79

By getting vaccinated, you help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Let's work together to have a healthy and safe winter. 

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Exciting Vaccine Update!

We’re excited to announce that our dedicated team has successfully administered over 1,400 COVID-19 vaccines, with 1,200 of these co-administered alongside the Flu vaccine. Additionally, we have provided 150 Fluenz and 292 RSV vaccines so far!

Our team is working tirelessly, even on weekends, to ensure that our patients remain safe and healthy this season.

If you haven’t received your vaccine yet, don’t worry! You can still book an appointment with us today. Your health is our top priority!

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Meet Dr Katherine Yeomans 

GP at The Hall Practice since 2006

After working locally in Wycombe & Amersham Hospitals, I joined The Hall Practice in 2006 to complete my GP training. I then worked at the hospice in Berkhamsted for 9 months to train in Palliative Care before returning to the practice in 2008. I became a partner at the practice in 2009, and am very proud to work with such an amazing team – we are always striving to improve the care we offer to provide the best service we can for our community.

I work in practice on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I am practice safeguarding lead and am on the board of directors for The Chalfonts PCN. I get great fulfilment from the bonds we build with our patients as we support them on their healthcare journey.

I have two boys aged 6 and 8 and outside of work they keep me very busy! I try to find time to stay active and completed my second triathlon in May this year. I also love open water swimming. I enjoy learning from all the new research into gut health and lifestyle medicine, and hope to complete further training in this to bring an even more holistic approach to my patients.

Meet Sally Stephens 

Pharmacy Technician for the PCN since 2021

My pharmacy career started in community pharmacy in Boots where I qualified to be a registered pharmacy technician, I then went on to study for my accuracy checking technician course. I was interested to explore new challenges so made the transition into primary care. I joined the PCN in October 2021 and was heavily involved with the COVID vaccination programme.

I enjoy my role within the PCN and enjoy working as part of the pharmacy team here at the practice.

My role generally supports patients by reconciling medication from hospital discharge summaries and amend any clinical letters that contain medication changes. I also lead the Blood Pressure monitoring and review those patients who have a borderline Blood Pressure, I find this fulfilling talking to patients with regards to diet and lifestyle and being able to support patients by making those diet/lifestyle changes. My work also involves supporting the clinical pharmacists within the practice.

My working days at The Hall Practice are Tuesday all day and Wednesday mornings.

Outside of work, I can be found in the gym or spending my free time with friends and family, which generally involves a lot of chatter/giggles and good food!

Welcome

Staff updates in October

Welcome Hannah Holdcroft, our new Enhanced Practice Nurse, who joined us earlier this month. She is currently working alongside our nursing team and will be working at the surgery from Wednesday to Friday. We also welcome Rachna Patel, who has joined our pharmacy team as a Pharmacy Technician. Her working days are Monday to Thursday. Additionally, we have welcomed Rahim Ullah, who is on placement and training to become a Pharmacist. Also on placement, we have Chioma Ugwu and Judith Chidamba, PA students. Lastly, we are pleased to introduce Henry Rocha, a Year 6 medical student from Cambridge University. Henry will be with us for six weeks.

As always, you'll be informed at the time of booking if your appointment is with a medical student and it's your choice whether you choose to see them or not. The Hall Practice has a long history of successfully training the next generation of GPs.

All our medical students are overseen and supervised by one of our GPs at all times.

How we did last month

By now, you know that our GPs do so much more than just appointments! Last month alone, they handled an impressive 4,682 individual consultations, including face-to-face visits, phone consultations, and home visits.In addition to these consultations, our practice made 354 referrals, with 16% directed to the Musculoskeletal Clinic. Our dedicated team also issued a remarkable 11,988 prescriptions!These figures highlight the extensive range of services we provide at our GP surgery. We’re here to support your health in every way possible!

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Change

Join the coversation

Our NHS is facing challenges, but together we can make a difference!

For over 76 years, the NHS has supported us, and now we need your input to shape its future.

Join the biggest conversation about the NHS and help develop a new 10 Year Health Plan for England.Whether you have a little or a lot to share, your experiences are valuable.

Visit Change.NHS.uk to contribute and access full information. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During our recent PLT, our team took a break from training and meetings to organise a delightful afternoon tea in support of Breast Cancer Now.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we couldn't miss the chance to raise money and awareness for this important charity.

About Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now is a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer while funding vital research. They aim to create a world where breast cancer is no longer a cause for fear. Their services include access to specialist nurses and a helpline offering expert advice and support for anyone navigating the challenges of breast cancer.

For quick access to more information, simply click on the pink ribbon image, which will direct you to the Breast Cancer Now website.

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